National mandates in the region are to be fully integrated into the enterprise of Harry Harkimo and Mika Sulin – Preferred partnership approach ensures continued representation in the Nordics

Zug, Switzerland, 25-6-2015 — /EuropaWire/ — Infront is reorganising its Nordic business operations by the end of 2015, focusing on international event series staged in the country, including FIS World Cup events, IBU World Cup events and Champions Hockey League games.

The national sports and cultural mandates for marketing and hospitality sales within Finland and Sweden that are currently handled by Infront’s subsidiary in Helsinki will be fully integrated into a new company – a joint venture owned by two sports business experts and successful entrepreneurs in the Nordics and internationally, Harry Harkimo and Mika Sulin. Harry Harkimo has been the Chairman of Infront Finland since 2003 and Mika Sulin has worked with global brands such as Nike and Salomon and acted as Secretary General for the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Helsinki and Stockholm, as well as most recently for the Finnish Olympic Committee. As part of this reorganisation, Infront Finland will be rebranded by the end of the year but continue to operate from Helsinki.

Infront will enter into a preferred partnership with the new company. The collaboration will include among others the local implementation of Champions Hockey League games, as well as the representation of Infront’s international portfolio to Finnish and Swedish brands.

Bruno Marty, Executive Director Winter Sports, commented: “The Nordics remain an important market for Infront. The preferred partnership approach with Harry Harkimo and Mika Sulin guarantees continued access to regional services, a dedicated representation of our portfolio in the market and the best combination of international sports marketing experience with local market know-how. As a Group, we will continue to focus our efforts on international sports series being staged in the country, leaving responsibility for the highly regional sports and cultural business to an expert in the field.”

Harry Harkimo said: “The restructured ownership is a logical move for both parties. Through the remaining partnership with Infront, we continue to provide sales services at the highest level for major international sports events. This is aligned with our strategic focus to grow a national business both in sports and culture.”

The previous Managing Director of Infront Finland, Mikko Vanni will step down from his position at the end of August 2015 to continue his entrepreneurial career in his own company – Life Style Invest Oy. He will remain available for occasional consultancy until the end of the year in order to ensure a smooth transition for the company and its clients. As of 1 September 2015, Mika Sulin will take over as the new Managing Director.

“We thank Mikko Vanni for his strong commitment and effort in making Infront’s business in the Nordic region a success since its inception. We wish him all the best for his professional and personal future,” Bruno Marty added.